TPT July 2010

I ndustry N ews

Atlas Tube Canada reaches new record in change over

This permits the use of the same changing facilities. To complete the possibility of quick-changing, SMS Meer have developed off-line quick-change systems for the URD ® stands like rebuilding devices and change presses for quick and simple changing of the rolls, and for handling the rolls and roll chocks. Presently, SMS Meer is commissioning a similar 16" ERW tube welding line, amongst others, with these latest developments of the above mentioned quick-change system in Severstal, Russia. SMS Meer GmbH – Germany Fax: +49 2161 350 1667

ATLAS Tube Harrow, Canada has reached a record change over time of 55 minutes from “good tube” to “good tube” on its 16" ERW tube welding line. The line was manufactured by SMS Meer. The success was mainly driven by the huge experience of the Atlas Tube operators combined with the innovated quick-change system of SMS Meer. The market for ERW tubes is facing tremendous changes. For the tube manufacturers this means that they mainly receive small production lots of many different tube sizes. Therefore, the rolls need to be changed very often. In this respect, the most economical benefit for ERW tube mills is to shorten the change over time and to increase productivity. SMS Meer offers a highly efficient quick- change system which gives the customers a significant lead over the competition. For in-line roll changing of the patented SMS Meer URD ® stands (URD ® = Uniform Rigid Design) with rigid double closed frame plates, the change carriages are positioned in front of the stands to be changed. The roll assemblies with the ‘used’ rolls are pushed out by hydraulic cylinders into the free position of the change carriage. The change carriage is moved aside so that the prepared roll assemblies with the ‘new’ rolls can be pulled into the stands. The rolls are automatically adjusted to their working position and accurately set according to the stored values. All roll TO meet continuing high demand for its innovative Elastopipe™ offshore and marine fire safety prevention system, Trelleborg Offshore Norway AS has invested in increased production capacity. Output volume has been doubled by building a completely new factory and production line inside its existing premises at Krokstadelva, 50km/30 miles south of Oslo, Norway. “Demand for Trelleborg’s Elastopipe corrosion proof seawater deluge system, and its many other applications including hydrocarbons and gas transport, has rocketed despite the recession,” commented Thor Hegg Eriksen, president of Trelleborg Offshore Norway AS. “Contractors and operators are realising its minimal

adjustment mechanisms, such as motors and encoders, remain in the URD ® stand during changeover. The whole change procedure – pushing out/pulling in and positioning – takes place fully automatically in an unbelievably small timeframe. All movements and adjustments will be done by the SMS Meer CSS-Quicksetting ® system. The URD ® stands (fin-pass-, squeeze -and sizing stands) are designed to be equipped with the same roll assemblies.

Email: info@sms-meer.com Website: www.sms-meer.com

Atlas Tube Harrow reached record change over times with the ERW tube welding line

Elastopipe growth met by Trelleborg factory

maintenance and low lifetime cost benefits, and 80% of our output is now exported.” The new 1200m 2 factory and production line are built to the highest efficiency, automation and safety standards improving output volume, product quality and reducing waste. The new facility took 18 months to build, and was opened in the presence of Trelleborg Group management, local politicians and dignitaries. “Trelleborg has supplied and installed the Elastopipe system in the Netherlands, Denmark, UK, Russia, Qatar, Canada, Singapore, Brunei and Australia,” added Eriksen. The proven advantages of Elastopipe over conventional rigid steel pipes have already made it an established solution

for seawater-based deluge and sprinkler systems due to its corrosion-free and fire resistant performancewith lower installation costs and reducedmaintenance. Elastopipe achieves 24/7 system availability for seawater fire prevention duties with considerably less need to be offline for testing, and regular planned maintenance. Elastopipe offers significant weight advantages over steel. Its ease and speed of installation make it suitable for fixed and floating platforms, support vessels and onshore oil and gas installations. Trelleborg Offshore Norway AS Fax: +47 32 23 22 73 Email: jan-hugo.nilssen@trelleborg.com Website: www.trelleborg.com

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J uly 2010

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